Senior Oral Health Partnership Program

Geographic Scope: 15-state enterprise and Washington, D.C. (AL, CA, DE, DC, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, MT, NV, NY, PA, TX, UT, WV)

Program Type: Multi-year community-based partnership program

Mission: To identify and address systemic causes of poor oral health among older adults, especially those living in poverty, people of color, and those whose mobility issues prevent access to dental care.

Focus Areas:

• Senior oral health crisis
• Older adults living in poverty
• Communities of color
• Accessibility for seniors with mobility issues
• Preventive and restorative care for seniors

Background/Rationale:
In 2022, the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation launched this multi-year program in response to findings that:

• A quarter of seniors living in poverty have lost all their natural teeth
• Older adults struggle with oral health problems and lack support for proper dental care
• The 2021 National Institutes of Health Oral Health in America report identified senior oral health as a public health crisis

Recent Expansion:

• May 21, 2025: Program expanded to Mississippi Delta region with additional $5 million commitment over five years
• Multi-year structure allows for sustained partnership and impact

Partner Network:

• Community-based partnerships
• Over 300 nonprofit partners across enterprise
• Community health clinics

Eligibility:

• Community-based organizations serving seniors
• Note: Grant support is by invitation only